National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Kansas 2021

General Information

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

State AT Program Title:
KU AT Program: Assistive Technology for Kansans
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.atk.ku.edu
Mailing Address:
2601 Gabriel Ave.
City:
Parsons
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
67357
Program Email:
ssack@ku.edu
Phone:
620-421-8367
TTY:
620-421-0954

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
The University of Kansas Center for Research Inc.
Mailing Address:
Youngberg Hall 2385 Irving Hill Road
City:
Lawrence
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66044
Program URL:
http://www.atk.ku.edu

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Sack, Sara
Title:
Senior Research Professor
Phone:
620-421-8367
E-mail:
ssack@ku.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Sack, Sara
Title:
Senior Research Professor
Phone:
620-421-8367
E-mail:
ssack@ku.edu
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Reed, Alicia
Title:
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Office of Research
Phone:
785-864-7231
E-mail:
amreed@ku.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 19 29 48
Approved Not made 00 01 01
Rejected 00 06 06
Total 19 36 55

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $2,040 Highest Income: $124,140

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$1,806,144 48 $37,628

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less		 $15,001-
$30,000		 $30,001-
$45,000		 $45,001-
$60,000		 $60,001-
$75,000		 $75,001
or More
Number of Loans 05 09 16 10 05 03 48
Percentage of Loans 10.42% 18.75% 33.33% 20.83% 10.42% 6.25% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 48 100%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 48 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 48 $682,730
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 48 $682,730

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5.5%
Highest 5.5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
264 48 5.5%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 48
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 48

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 13 $62,039
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 04 $16,179
Daily living 03 $21,355
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 28 $583,157
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 48 $682,730

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 08
Net loss for loans in default $11,720

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 2
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Funding Eligibility Assistance

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)160
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)392
C. Total Served552

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures552

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 3730671.00
Hearing 4513164.00
Speech communication5572938.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 2411037.00
Mobility, seating and positioning9172628.00
Daily living 25673706.00
Environmental adaptations2144640.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 1028502.00
Computers and related 194508.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure62661.00
Total564354455.00

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)163
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)155
C. Total Served318

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures318

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 10425546.00
Hearing 20651091.00
Speech communication398950.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 429690.00
Mobility, seating and positioning31650.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 00.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total39496927.00



C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

An older woman contacted Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) to find out more about accessible telephones. She uses a standard telephone but can’t hear it. She is having surgery in regard to other health issues and is worried about missing calls from her medical team and family. ATK staff demonstrated a variety of phones and signalers. She was able to select a phone that worked well for her and got the information for a doorbell signaler. ATK staff helped her complete a Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) application, got a service provider to verify her disability, and the phone was in place the next week – in plenty of time before her surgery. She called to let us know that phone was working great!

Older woman looking at accessible phones and signalers.
Impact Area

A fourth grader has significant hearing loss in both ears. His parents insurance didn’t cover the full cost of the hearing aids he needed. His mom is a teacher and wasn’t comfortable approaching the school for funding assistance. Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff obtained $3,500 from private funders to cover the remaining costs. His mom and teacher say he’s like a different boy and tells everyone about new sounds he hears. He’s excited about his progress on his speech with the increased amplification and is eager to go to school every day now.

Boy with hearing aid riding in the front seat of a car.
Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 40 35 318 393
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 62 100 192 354
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 09 04 115 128
4. Subtotal 111 139 625 875
5. None of the above 00 00 33 33
6. Subtotal 111 139 658 908
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 08 10
8. Total 113 139 666 918
9. Performance on this measure 98.23% 100% 93.84%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 704 76.69%
Satisfied 203 22.11%
Satisfied somewhat 11 1.2%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 918
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 576
C. Total 576

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans - Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients 00
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 576

If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 09 $12,243 $0 $12,243
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 289 $284,832 $0 $284,832
Daily Living 292 $145,167 $0 $145,167
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 02 $4,922 $0 $4,922
Computers and Related 01 $75 $0 $75
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $3,056 $0 $3,056
Total 594 $450,295 $0 $450,295

D. Anecdote

The best part of marching band is being at the games! At least that’s what Addie tells us. She received a power assist wheelchair from Assistive Technology for Kansans Reuse so she could keep up with her friends at school …band students cross a parking lot to get to the band building. She can even keep up when friends race up an incline to the cafeteria to grab lunch, no longer left behind. AND, it loads on the school bus with ease so she makes all the school home games. A special thanks to Addy’s friend who laid down on the sidewalk at the stadium to get this shot!

Young girl in a marching band uniform holding her instrument and sitting in a power assist wheelchair.. She is on the track surrounding the football field.
Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 12 00 454 466
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 34 07 41
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 37 30 69
4. Subtotal 14 71 491 576
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 14 71 491 576
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 14 71 491 576
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 367 63.72%
Satisfied 203 35.24%
Satisfied somewhat 06 1.04%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 576
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 197
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 06
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 147
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 38
Total 388

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 86 00 86
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 59 00 59
Representative of Education 132 00 132
Representative of Employment 02 00 02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 56 00 56
Representatives of Community Living 35 00 35
Representatives of Technology 18 00 18
Total 388 00 388

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 21

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 12 00 12
Hearing 20 00 20
Speech Communication 52 00 52
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 251 00 251
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 86 00 86
Daily Living 75 00 75
Environmental Adaptations 10 00 10
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01 00 01
Computers and Related 22 00 22
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 13 00 13
Total 542 00 542

E. Anecdote

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff have worked with Mia and her family since she was 18 months old. Now, Mia is a typical 7-year-old enjoying summer activities such as swimming, bike rides and going to the fair. She participated in Junior 4-H showing her sheep for the last 3 years. Her dad pulls her in a wagon since arena sawdust makes using her gait trainer difficult. Mia uses picture symbols and voice output rather than the spoken word. Mia has borrowed a number of devices and found out she send her communication messages more quickly using eye gaze technology to select the pictures. ATK staff are working on funding. This summer, Mia wasn’t ready to use the EyeGaze system in the showman ship ring so ATK staff loaned a simple AAC app for Mia’s iPad. When the judge asked his young junior showmanship questions (What is your sheep’s name, what does he eat…), Mia was ready with her answers.

Young girl sitting in a wagon talking to the 4-H fair livestock judge about her sheep using a commmunication device.e
Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 82 15 46 143
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 02 26 40
Subtotal 94 17 72 183
Have not made a decision 05 00 09 14
Subtotal 99 17 81 197
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 99 17 81 197
Performance on this measure 94.95% 100% 88.89%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 61 09 17 87
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 22 11 27 60
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 20 00 24 44
4. Subtotal 103 20 68 191
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 103 20 68 191
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 103 20 68 191
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 364 93.81%
Satisfied 24 6.19%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 388
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 25
Hearing 18
Speech Communication 28
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 48
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 25
Daily Living 44
Environmental Adaptations 03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 26
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 223

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 83
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 34
Representatives of Education 52
Representatives of Employment 12
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 15
Representative of Community Living 34
Representative of Technology 05
Total 235

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 669
Service Provider 184
Vendor 246
Repair Service 16
Others 00
Total 1,115

D. Anecdote

An outpatient pediatric speech therapist contacted Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) about a 5 year old with communication concerns. ATK staff demonstrated three communication devices and two different symbol systems. After a short term loan of two different devices, his mom and the educational team selected the LAMP communication symbol system on an iPad. He was able to keep that communication system while ATK staff helped the educational team submit a funding report to insurance. The device was funded successfully. UPDATE: The educational team originally planned on him attending a separate special education class but decided he was ready to go to a general education class after he could share everything he knows with the adults around him.

Young boy sitting at a classroom table completing a lesson using his communication device.
Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 68 21 73 162
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 00 14 17
Subtotal 71 21 87 179
Have not made a decision 16 01 27 44
Subtotal 87 22 114 223
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 87 22 114 223
Performance on this measure 81.61% 95.45% 76.32%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 187 79.57%
Satisfied 33 14.04%
Satisfied somewhat 15 6.38%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 235
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 113 44 789 946
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 84 145 226 455
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 31 41 169 241
4. Subtotal 228 230 1,184 1,642
5. None of the above 00 00 33 33
6. Subtotal 228 230 1,217 1,675
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 08 10
8. Total 230 230 1,225 1,685
9. Performance on this measure 85.65% 82.17% 82.86% 83.15%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 150 36 119 305
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 15 02 40 57
Subtotal 165 38 159 362
Have not made a decision 21 01 36 58
Subtotal 186 39 195 420
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 186 39 195 420
Performance on this measure 88.71% 97.44% 81.54% 86.19%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 98.49% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 276
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 30
Representatives of Education 81
Representatives of Employment 106
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 99
Representatives of Community Living 51
Representatives of Technology 33
Unable to Categorize 161
TOTAL 837

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
201 561 75 837

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 248
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 72
Combination of any/all of the above 406
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 33
Transition 78
Total 837

C. Description of Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:

Kansas Infant Toddler Services invited Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff and ATK Device Loan System staff to provide training seminar on ATK services and loan system inventory. The primary focus of the seminar was to demonstrate new inventory acquisitions in the areas of mobility and seating for children ages birth to three with significant physical disabilities. Devices to support learning, switch access, and mobility as well as considerations for selection and how to incorporate the devices in a child’s daily routines. ATK Loan System staff introduced use of text applications and team consultation using demonstration videos and virtual meetings using the team’s preferred format to meet the increased demand for services as a result of the training seminar.

Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff provided two virtual workshops to Kansas Pre-Employment Transition (Pre-ETS) staff serving the eastern third of the state. ATK staff demonstrated assistive technology solutions for a variety of work settings and focused on use of personal cell phones and tablets to support soft skills to obtain and retain employment. Pre-ETS staff were able to follow ATK staff demonstrations to use their cell phones to set appointments, reminders, make to-do lists, and follow walking and public transportation directions. ATK staff noted an increase in referrals from Pre-ETS staff following these workshops. Plans are being made to repeat these workshops for Pre-ETS staff in other areas of the state in the coming year.

Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

Kansas State Extension reached out to Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff for assistance in developing policies for accessible conferences and meetings. ATK staff provided documentation on physical accessibility of event space and meeting rooms then addressed accessible print materials, alternative formats and interpreters, and the benefits of use of captioned videos across audiences. Input was given on how to post accessible materials online and tips were provided on creating accessible social media posts. As a result of these efforts, K-State Extension staff followed up with a request on how to make accessible educational materials for children with vision loss. K-State staff report that they are requesting ongoing training on creating accessible material from their Information Technology staff.

D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 33
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 33
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 10%
Employment 10%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 50%
Community Living %
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 30%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

The FCC announced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program to increase access to internet services across the country in the spring of 2021. Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff recognized the need for timely consumer registration for the benefits so an aggressive public outreach effort was undertaken. ATK management created an accessible handout that was posted on the ATK website, circulated to partners across the state, and disseminated through the Commission on Disability Concerns statewide listserv. Management staff promoted the EBB in its weekly AT & Caffeine virtual meetings that included all ATK staff and partners from multiple agencies. Specific outreach on the EBB and how to register for it was provided to Kansas independent living centers, Going Home senior transition program partners, Area Agencies on Aging, KU UCEDD, Kansas Corporation Commission, Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Families Together. To date 42,776 KS households are registered.

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) was selected to participate in a senior transition funded through the CARES Act. The purpose of the Going Home project is to help seniors and other individuals with disabilities transition from nursing home facilities impacted by Covid 19 to self-directed care in the community. Through weekly meetings with partners from Area Agencies on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Center, independent living centers and KS Department on Aging and Disability Services, ATK staff documented the value of technology in the lives of seniors through use of data driven research articles, circulation of validated assessment tools, device demonstrations, and anecdotes. Partners now support a) continued use of the Social Isolation Scale to determine the degree of isolation experienced by seniors; b) access to a broader range of durable medical equipment and technology to keep seniors in their homes; and c) use of medication devices to stay healthy.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) participated in contactless, drive through Americans with Disabilities Act celebrations conducted by partnering independent living centers. ATK staff prepared educational outreach materials distributed in promotional give away bags to participants driving past the fair booths. To continue the celebration, ATK staff posted demonstration videos and stories shared by consumers who received AT services on their web pages. Drive through Covid vaccination clinics were added as a component to later ADA picnics. A total of eight drive through events were held across the state.

2. Virtual public awareness events continued to be a priority for Assistive Technology for Kansans staff this past year. ATK reuse sponsorship of Theater Lawrence was conducted through social media posts and blasts, distribution of educational literature and promotional products to all theater goers as well as traditional advertisements in the print program. Donations of used quality durable medical equipment to ATK reuse continue to be robust in the Lawrence area. Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers continue to request ATK staff participation in virtual health fairs and wellness events. ATK staff provide captioned video demonstrations of technology that supports the priorities of the respective events and have served as virtual keynote speakers on topics such as wearables and use of digital technology to stay active from the safety of your home.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 1,251 792 2,043
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 641 421 1,062
Representative of Education 52 20 72
Representative of Employment 124 241 365
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 15 56 71
Representative of Community Living 34 117 151
Representative of Technology 370 230 600
Unable to Categorize 00 02 02
Total 2,487 1,879 4,366

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 1

A. Coordination/Collaboration

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff collaborated with Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) staff on the Going Home senior transition project in an effort to increase access to home modifications and a wider range of durable medical equipment from managed care organizations whose members were transitioning from a nursing facility to their homes in the community. ATK and ADRC staff met to discuss specific cases and shared strategies on how to approach respective care coordinators for eligible seniors. ATK staff have had to request assistance from the transition specialist at KS Department on Aging and Disability Services and indicate their willingness to file appeals or grievances to move the process forward at times.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

Initial results have been limited in their success but MCO staff have approved an increased number of bariatric DME devices and have decreased their response time in meeting their members' needs.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Reuse; State Financing; Technical Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Federal$161,000DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$22,000Device LoanTrue
Federal$180,000DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$61,148DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$186,723State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$150,000DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$13,000TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$285,000ReuseTrue
Private$2,200State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$192,500DemonstrationTrue
Amount: $1,253,571

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

B. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Thu Mar 10 2022 09:00:12 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)

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This FY20 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.